Fix Wi-Fi Sign-In Issues: Easy Troubleshooting Tips

If you’ve ever connected to a WiFi network on your Android phone only to get that annoying “Sign-In to WiFi Network” prompt, you’re not alone. This issue is surprisingly common — even when you’ve already entered the password correctly or the internet seems fine.

In this guide, we’ll break down why this happens, how to fix it, and what to do if it keeps coming back. Whether it’s a router glitch, outdated software, or a quick setting you missed, these proven solutions will help you stay connected without interruptions.

Why Your Android Keeps Asking You to “Sign-In to WiFi Network”

When you connect your Android device to WiFi, the phone checks whether it can access the internet through that network. If it detects that it can’t — or that the network redirects you to a login page — it triggers the “Sign-In to WiFi Network” message.

This often happens in public networks like cafés, hotels, and airports that require login credentials or terms acceptance through a captive portal page. However, it can also appear on private home WiFi due to router issues or software glitches.

1. Check If It’s a Router or Network Issue

In most cases, the culprit is your router or modem. When your Android connects, it tries to confirm that the network actually provides internet access. If the router fails to route traffic properly, your phone assumes it’s a captive network and displays the sign-in message.

Try these quick router fixes:

• Restart your router and modem – Power them off for 30 seconds, then turn them back on.
• Check internet connectivity – Connect another device (like a laptop) to the same network and see if it can access the internet.
• Forget and reconnect – On your Android, go to Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi, tap your network, and select Forget. Then reconnect by entering the password again.
• Reset your router – If all else fails, reset it to factory settings (just make sure you know your ISP login details first).

If your WiFi network is shared or public, try opening a browser like Chrome and visiting any site — this should trigger the actual login page.

2. Adjust Your Android’s WiFi Settings

Sometimes the prompt persists because of your phone’s network preferences. Android devices have a built-in setting that automatically checks if a WiFi network requires sign-in.

To turn it off:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Go to Network & Internet → Internet → WiFi preferences.
3. Look for Sign-in to WiFi network notifications and disable it.

This will stop Android from showing the pop-up automatically. However, remember that disabling this means you won’t get notified when a network truly needs login credentials (like at airports or cafés).

3. Update Your Android Software

A surprisingly common cause of WiFi sign-in errors is outdated software. Android updates often fix bugs that affect network connectivity and WiFi authentication.

To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → System → Software update.
2. Tap Check for updates and install any available updates.

After updating, restart your phone and reconnect to your WiFi. Software patches often include fixes for issues like authentication loops and network miscommunication between your device and router.

Related: Learn more about optimizing your connection in How to Boost Your Internet Speed at Home.

4. Disable Persistent Network Notifications

If your WiFi works fine but the “Sign-In to WiFi Network” alert won’t go away, you can simply disable that notification.

Here’s how:

1. Pull down the notification shade when the alert appears.
2. Long-press the notification.
3. Tap Settings or Details, then choose Block or Turn off notifications for network sign-in prompts.

This won’t fix the root issue, but it will stop Android from constantly reminding you about a non-existent sign-in requirement.

5. Restart Your Phone After Making Changes

It may sound basic, but restarting your Android after modifying WiFi settings helps apply the changes properly. Many connectivity settings only take effect after a reboot.

If you recently:

• Changed your WiFi password,
• Modified router settings, or
• Disabled WiFi notifications,

then restart your phone. A simple reboot can clear cached network data and refresh your system connections.

Tip: If you’re still having trouble, try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to reset your wireless connections quickly.

6. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If you’ve tried everything and your Android still keeps asking to sign in, your device’s network configuration may be corrupted.

To reset your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset options.
2. Tap Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth.
3. Confirm your choice and wait for the phone to restart.

This will remove all saved WiFi networks, paired Bluetooth devices, and VPN settings — so make sure you have your passwords handy before doing this.

After resetting, reconnect to your WiFi network and test if the issue persists.

7. When the Problem Isn’t on Your End

Sometimes, the problem lies with the internet provider or the network owner — not your phone. If other devices on the same WiFi also show limited access or ask for sign-in repeatedly, it’s best to:

• Contact the network administrator or ISP for assistance.
• Check if there’s an outage or maintenance affecting connectivity in your area.

If you’re using a shared business or public WiFi, the network might have a captive portal that automatically times out after a while, requiring you to log in again.

8. Bonus Tip: Use Mobile Data as a Backup

If you need to get online urgently while fixing WiFi issues, turn on mobile data temporarily. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs or Mobile Network, and toggle Mobile Data on.

You can also enable WiFi Assist or Smart Network Switch (on some Android versions) — this feature automatically switches to mobile data when WiFi connectivity drops.

Final Thoughts

The “Sign-In to WiFi Network” message is a common Android issue, but in most cases, it’s easy to fix. Start with router troubleshooting, check your software version, and adjust your WiFi preferences. If the pop-up persists, disabling the notification or resetting network settings usually does the trick.

By following these steps, you’ll avoid constant connection interruptions and enjoy a smoother, more reliable internet experience on your Android device.